CH10 Trade Unions

Question 1

What reforms did the government carry out?

Answer 1

• 1912 Insurance Law expanded social security to workers in factories, mines and transportation companies.
• 1914 - ten hour working day.
• Laws on social insurance and sickness and accident insurance.
• Better state-employee relations.
• Legislation of trade unions in 1905.
• Economic recovery in 1911.

Question 2

Why did the government stop reforms?

Answer 2

Due to fear of independent working class activity and revolutionaries working through trade unions. They were hesitant to introduce more reform because of the weaknesses revealed by the 1905 revolution.

Question 3

What did the government do to trade unions?

Answer 3

1. 497 trade unions were closed down and 604 denied registration between 1906 and 1910.
2. When strike activity increased, there were 3574 stoppages.

Question 4

What was the Lena Goldfields Massacre and what was its impact?

Answer 4

The Lena Goldfields Massacre in April 1912 was the shooting of unarmed demonstrators. Workers in the Lena riverbanks had gone on strike for better wages and working conditions. Troops were sent in, killing 270 and injuring 250. The consequence was a wave of strikes throughout Siberia, showing the state’s failure to pacify the working class.

Question 5

What was the extent of opposition and influence?

Answer 5

• Only 12% of enterprises experienced a strike.
• Economic recovery gave skilled labour more power.
• Employers showed resistance with fines and lockouts.
• Closure of trade unions meant limited representation.
• Economic depression led to a political clampdown on union action.

Question 6

What were examples of strikes?

Answer 6

• Three quarters of strikes took place in St Petersburg
• Half were in metal trades.
• The General Strike in St Petersburg in 1914 only brought a quarter of the manufacturing labour force out.
• Increase in strikes in 1912 due to economic depression.